Prevention

/Home/Health Conditions/Impetigo - Alternative Remedies/Impetigo - Prevention

Keeping the skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. Treat cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away by washing the affected areas and applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

If someone in your family already has impetigo, follow these measures to help keep the infection from spreading to others:

Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water and then cover lightly with gauze.

Wash an infected person's clothes, linens and towels every day and don't share them with anyone else in your family.

Wear gloves when applying any antibiotic ointment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Cut an infected child's nails short to prevent damage from scratching.

Wash hands frequently.

Keep your child home until your doctor says he or she isn't contagious.